Agartala, Sep 6 — Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), Dipak Majumder, on Saturday broke his silence on the massive financial fraud that led to the embezzlement of ₹16.43 crore from the civic body’s official bank account.
Addressing media persons during his inspection of the ongoing cover-drain project at Abhoynagar Road, Majumder squarely put the responsibility on the bank. “Prima facie it appears that cloned bearer cheques were used to siphon off ₹16.43 crore deposited in AMC’s account at the UCO Bank main branch in Agartala. The original cheques are still in our custody. We don’t know if any bank official is complicit in this act, but banks are bound to protect consumers’ trust. We have lodged an FIR and written to the bank authorities to return our money,” he stated.
According to the Mayor, the funds were debited from AMC’s account and transferred to the bank account of a Hyderabad-based agency. “AMC has no links with the agency. Legal aspects are being examined, and we will take every step necessary to ensure that public money, meant for development works, is restored and used for its rightful purpose,” Majumder assured.
While briefing reporters, he also highlighted ongoing civic works. The Abhoynagar road, which connects to GB Pant Hospital, is being widened and upgraded for public convenience. “After many years, this road is being expanded. We are making all possible efforts to complete the project before Durga Puja so that devotees from across the state can participate in the festivities without facing inconvenience or traffic snarls,” he added.
The Mayor’s statement comes amid rising public concern over the fraud, which is among the largest financial scams reported in AMC’s history.
